The restoration of the Brann Cabin to its homesteading period has begun.
Restoration expert David Rogers is currently working on the stabilization of the 111yr old cabin.
The SJC Parks goal is to create a safe and usable space of
historical significance for interpretation of the homesteading period on San Juan Island.

“A building longs to be used, otherwise it will die.”
Rogers said, before he began
the work.

Not surprisingly, as work proceeds Mr. Rogers is uncovering more problem areas
than he'd hoped for. He found that restoration of the floor
required significant foundation/support work along with the flooring.

The additional work, added to a very tight budget - in part the result of expected grant funding that
fell victim to state budget cuts - means the Parks Department needs private donations
to complete the interior work and finish work.

Donors can make tax deductible contributions at any level, or can choose to
sponsor a specific piece of the building.
Items that can be sponsored range from lime chinking at $1,000 to new Doors at $3,500.
Some work is being done with early 20th century tools and materials to insure
the cabin remains true to its history. Approximately $37,000 is needed to finish
all elements the project.

The Brann cabin is among just a handful of structures remaining from the homesteading
period in the San Juan Islands and is believed to be the only homestead on San
Juan Island in its original location on public land.
It was placed on the Washington Heritage Register of Historic Places in 2007.

People wishing to make a donation can mail a check to the San Juan County
Parks, 350 Court St #8, Friday Harbor, WA 98250; contact the San Juan County Park Office
by phone at (360) 378-8420,
or stop by the main park office or the San Juan County Park and pick up a donation envelope.
The department's email address is parks@sanjuanco.com

Click here for an
updated list of structural and project items that can be sponsored.

Sponsorships Available

Custom built and installed to restoration period detail:

Doors - $3,500

Windows - $6,000

Foundation logs - $2,000*

Skip sheathing - $1,500

Floor joists - $2,300*

Interior flooring - $3,000*

Interior wall planking - $3,000

Lime chinking - $1,000

Foundation flashing $1,500

Site work - $3,500

Interpretive material - $5,000

Landscaping $600

Heritage trees -$400

Partnerships for Programming – $2,000

* Work completed in Phase 1 with Park Fund loan

**Fundraising goal: $37,000 Donation envelopes can be found at the Park Office,
or contact us at
parks@sanjuanco.com or phone (360) 378-8420.